Confusion as 'Grafton Quarter' Christmas lights unveiled in Dublin

Dublin Town, the group behind the city's Christmas lights, has defended one of its new additions.

The old Nollaig Shona sign has been replaced with lights that say 'Welcome to Grafton Quarter.'

People took to Twitter to ask whether the famous street had been renamed.

Grafton Street now being called the Grafton Quarter. Notions level 100. pic.twitter.com/bhbPfBwpvl

— 🪩Rachael Cox🪩 (@rachaelcoxdj) November 12, 2019

Saw this yesterday. WTF is Grafton Quarter? Why isn’t the main welcome to Grafton St in Irish? Why is an Irish version down a side street? Who thought it was a good idea to make a historic street this naff & colonially insecure? (Like BT doing last yrs Selfridges Xmas window) pic.twitter.com/SPfa1F43fm

— Dr Robert Bohan (@RobertBohan) November 13, 2019

What the hell is the Grafton Quarter? https://t.co/wMYEIOKzUo

— Billy Passmore: See billypassmore.bsky.social (@billypassmore) November 12, 2019

But Richard Guiney from the business group says its not something new.

"The businesses on Grafton Street have been referring to the area as the Grafton Quarter for the refurbishment of the street that's been going on over the last number of years," he said.

"I think there's a move towards that as a district brand."